Back to School...........take me anywhere but reality!!!!!!

I love the school holidays – we sleep in, no making lunches, no homework, no stress of getting out the door and no screaming at each other.

The first term of this year was not great for my big boy Noah who started year 7 or my little girl Sienna in year 3. I am praying this term will be a little better for both them and me......

Sienna giving herself a facial.....

Sienna has a learning difficulty which we were made aware of in Kindergarten. At the end of year 2 it became apparent that she had real issues. She has a working memory problem which basically means she doesn’t absorb certain information.

She learns differently to the common child. Her learning is more through feel and touch. When giving her instructions it’s better for her if they are written down rather than spoken.

On the other hand Sienna is socially and emotionally advanced beyond her years and has strengths in other ways which is comforting. She is way more capable at home than her brothers to the point I would actually let her babysit them! One night I wasn’t feeling well so she said “don’t worry mum I will get dinner”. Before I knew it she had made a salad, peeled and chopped the potatoes, then came over to me and said “you just have to cook the meat mum as I have prepared everything else” – I was blown away she is only 8.

Some days when she sees I am upset if I have come from a meeting at the school I will say “doll we really have to work on these words and your readers”. She says “mum don’t stress I am fine, I will get there. You know when I get older I will be on the stage in New York and all will be fine – everyone needs to chill out”. She has a positive outlook on life which is inspiring.

The whole of last term was meetings with paediatric and educational specialists and I think we finally had a break through. We found the right people to help Sienna so hopefully her school life will become a little easier now.

Noah on a farm which is his favourite thing to do in the holidays.....

Noah started year 7 last term and in the first week he tore the ligament off the bone in his ankle and had to wear a boot for 6 weeks. Then we had a bullying situation which really rocked him and was something he didn’t need in the first term of high school.

The school did deal with it however for a few weeks it was tough on Noah and he was struggling to cope.

He found it difficult to go to school and didn’t like the attention. It was extremely heart breaking for me, to get a phone call every day at lunch time, to hear his voice on the other end of the phone telling me the hardships of the day.

Then of course I still have my little man Hugo. I had so much going on with Noah, Sienna and work that poor Hugo was not getting much attention.

It was the week before school broke up, we were all tired and I had just finished work. Noah was still having issues, I had to get Sienna to her tutor and I was looking and feeling overwhelmed and stressed – probably yelling I think!! Hugie walked up to me and said “mum have you got a minute, I know you have a lot on your plate with Noah and Sienna but I just thought you might want to know I got into the Rugby “A’s” team for school". With that I burst into tears, mothers guilt was overwhelming and I just hugged him.

As I cried on his shoulder I told him how proud I was of him. I also said how sorry I was that I had not spent much time with him lately.

I am very happy to say we have had a lovely few weeks as a family over the holidays. Re-grouped and hopefully this term will be a lot calmer and a little less pressured and relaxed. I have my whole body crossed!